FAQ

How much does a security system cost?

The price of security systems is based on the control panel, or the brains of the system, the number of keypads, the amount of devices and any options you might want to add. We also include monitoring and service on all the equipment. However, because we value you as a customer, we refuse to give you inadequate service just to get your business. For this reason, we will send one of our knowledgeable consultants to give you a free assessment. They will listen to your needs and share their recommendations.

Do I have to have a landline in my house for my system to “talk” to central station?

No. We can communicate with your system using your internet or the cell signal in your area; whichever is more reliable.

Why does my security company call me when my internet is down?

Internet security systems communicate with the central station every 15 to 60 minutes. If the test signal is sent and the internet is down at that moment, the signal will come back to us as a “Fail To Test”. This interruption is similar to clicking on a website and having to refresh the page because it is taking too long. If the signal comes back to us as a fail, we must call you to let you know that we sent a test and your communication is down. If your communication is down, the central station will not receive an alarm if there is a break in. This call is for your protection and it is the main reason that your consultant will ask you if your internet service is reliable.

How do I know the tech will not come back and rob me?

Known criminals should never be allowed to work for a security company. At Sonitrol, we run background checks on all of our employees to ensure that we are only hiring the “cream of the crop”.

Do you guys have a referral program?

We do. We know that our best advertising is one of our happy customers. So if you send friends or family to us for a free assessment and they install a system with us, we will give you $100.00 in free monitoring. Remind your friends and family to mention your name when they call so we can get you your credit on your monitoring!

Do I have to sign a contract?

We will ask you to sign an agreement. The agreement will detail all the equipment, the service details and cover your monitoring. But we will make you happy before you truly commit to us! Sonitrol offers a 90 day guarantee. If you have problems with the system and we are unable to fix them, we will remove the system and give you your money back. That’s it.

What if I accidentally set my alarm off?

After we dispatch police or the fire department, we will contact a list of people that you provide to meet the responding agency at the location of the alarm. If we have a current list, and the call is answered we MAY be able to cancel the dispatch. If you set off your alarm and then cancel with your code, we will not send police, but we will contact you. If you are forced to turn off the system by an intruder, know your duress code. See next question for more information on this function.

What is a panic or duress code?

If you are forced into your home, the intruder will want you to turn off your security alarm. When a duress code is entered, the system will appear to disarm. But the monitoring station will be dispatching the police.

Can I put the system up myself and save some money?

While saving money is a great plan, this is can be a costly mistake. Trained professionals will not only install the system, but test each device to ensure the monitoring station will receive the proper alarms. Installation is so important to us, that our newly hired installation technicians, MUST be supervised for no less than 6 months by a lead tech before they can install a system alone.

What if I have a problem with my system after hours?

Sonitrol’s central station is always staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. You can always call and speak to one of your operators. We also have a technician available to answer emergency service calls.

Can I monitor my own system for less money?

It is true that there are systems that can be downloaded on to your smart phone to view when your system is in alarm. These systems cost little or no monthly charges. But, do you leave your phone on the desk in your office, at home or in your car? Do you ever have to silence your phone? If you are on a sunny tropical vacation sipping a fruity drink, will you even care if have cell phone signal? If you are not glued to your phone at all times, then you might miss an alarm. There is also the issue of calling the police. If you call 911 on a cell phone, and you are in a different state or anywhere outside the local area, the operator you reach will not be the one that dispatches to your property. This will cause a delay in sending the police. Consider the cost savings of monitoring your own system versus losing property because the police weren’t dispatched properly.

I have heavy equipment (ie. Air compressors, fans) running all the time. Wouldn’t these loud noises cause a false alarms?

Yes. The system would be activated all the time if we put audio sensors in a room where you have equipment running all night. But we are a professional security team. We realize an audio system isn’t for everyone. If you have large equipment running constantly, we will use a video solution to secure your property. If you have an air compressor that kicks on during the middle of the night, we may call you the first time it happens to confirm that someone isn’t using a blow torch to make entry into the building. (Yes, this has happened). We may see if the equipment can be turned off at night or adjust the system accordingly. But we will not dispatch on your air compressor.

Testimonials

As a Superintendent, you have the opportunity to work with many companies during the school year. During my tenure, I was fortunate to work with Sonitrol. Sonitrol provided our community the piece of mind that only an effective security system can offer. The competency, professionalism, and most importantly the customer service that was provided by Andrew Beitler met every school district need. It is without hesitation that I would recommend Sonitrol for all your security needs.

Cliff D. Karnes, Ed.D Former Superintendent | EIU

As a Superintendent, you have the opportunity to work with many companies during the school year. During my tenure, I was fortunate to work with Sonitrol. Sonitrol provided our community the piece of mind that only an effective security system can offer.

Muncie Community Schools would like for your company to know that we are very highly satisfied with all the new equipment and older relocated equipment that has been installed over the past two years (and before as well) over our entire school campus system. When we do have an issue, Sonitrol techs are on it right away and do a great job in correcting issues. We are so pleased that this upcoming fiscal year (FY16) we will be replacing all but two of the old ADT systems previously installed in a few of our fifteen campuses. The addition of the upgraded panels across our campuses will enable us to use and share data and video feeds via the Sonitrol Mobile App. Just the idea of being able to remotely set and disable alarms, look at cameras live in all campuses, and share with public safety the live campus feeds in real time has us very excited. The level of safety which was already high at the MCS will be enhanced even further propelling us into the status of a highly safe school system. Administrator feedback on the operating systems you have installed has been one hundred percent positive and all are looking very forward to the mobile app going live on their devices during the last half of the school calendar year. Administrators report that the upgraded numbers and clarity of the current cameras have enabled them to solve many complex and simple issues ranging from not only student discipline but staff behavior as well. The cameras themselves act as a deterrent to negative behavior for a huge number of students. One administrator commented that the cameras have helped solve fight issues, contraband issues, truancy issues, and even an infraction as simple as one’s leaving his/her lunch tray behind at dismissal time back to class. Our partnership with Sonitrol was always very good but thanks to Indiana’s Secured School Safety grants for FY 15 and FY 16, we now have cameras at every campus in the system as well as buzz-in door entry systems at every campus in the system. As a Police Officer of 36 years I have seen first hand the positive impact on both crime prevention and crime apprehension due to the current system from Sonitrol and look forward to the future use of the mobile app to enhance security performance to an entirely new and much elevated level. It has been my pleasure to have worked through all of the purchase, repair, and equipment issues with our Sonitrol Rep Misty Rudy. She has always been on top of issues and informative of the best systems available for our campuses. She is pleasant, well spoken, very organized, intelligent, and can see the big-picture of our wants and needs yet still keeps in mind our budgetary constraints. I can email and call her any time with repair issues and she has the techs right on the issue through resolution. She is the embodiment of your corporation and represents your company very well.

Charles D. Hensley Cheif of Security and Operation | MCS

Sonitrol Security,

Muncie Community Schools would like for your company to know that we are very highly satisfied with all the new equipment and older relocated equipment that has been installed over the past two years (and before as well) over our entire school campus system.

I really appreciate the professional care I receive from Sonitrol. The high level of customer service is second to none. I also appreciate the peace of mind I have knowing my business is protected when I'm not there.

Jerry Rogers II President | Lawn Masters

I really appreciate the professional care I receive from Sonitrol. The high level of customer service is second to none. I also appreciate the peace of mind I have knowing my business is protected when I'm not there.

For over 20 years we have always been able to count on Sonitrol for our buildings security needs. Sonitrol always responds promptly to any alarm and alerts us as to any entries into our building at times that are out of the normal hours of operation. We highly recommend their services!

Matt Baumeyer General Manager | Siegel's Uniforms

For over 20 years we have always been able to count on Sonitrol for our buildings security needs. Sonitrol always responds promptly to any alarm and alerts us as to any entries into our building at times that are out of the normal hours of operation.

We want to let you know that the digital camera monitoring systems that Sonitrol has installed in Southside High School and Central High School have worked out very well. I have received feedback from administrators from each school noting that the picture quality is very good and they are please with the outcome. Administrators at both schools have stated that the systems have enabled them to identify and connect student mis-behavior issues. The school administrators have also noted that just having the cameras widely distributed throughout the school has been a deterrent for some students. One administrator commented that he had been able to isolate, identify and verify infractions as minor as which student had left his lunch tray on the cafeteria table to more serious where one student had committed battery on another student. The two high schools have been pleased with the camera systems. Thank you for helping our school system with our security needs. We look forward to having the digital camera systems installed at our two middle schools as well (purchase orders have already been issued.)

We want to let you know that the digital camera monitoring systems that Sonitrol has installed in Southside High School and Central High School have worked out very well. I have received feedback from administrators from each school noting that the picture quality is very good and they are please with the outcome.

As we are all aware, the changing of times has called for a need to increase security in our schools to protect our students and staff. Many of you have procedures already in place to keep your buildings secured at all times. Those of you who have recently visited our Glassford and Hood Centers know that WOVSED made the decision to further increase the security of our buildings by installing a Sonitrol Alarm System.

I just wanted to take a moment to recognize our Sonitrol Sales Representative, Andrew, and commend him on the outstanding customer service that he has provided us. We anticipated that a new security system would present challenges, especially with office check-in and check-out procedures. However, Andrew has gone above his duties as Sales Representative, throughout the entire process, to ensure a smooth transition for everyone. From helping us to choose the equipment that meets our security needs and budget, to answering questions, addressing concerns, and ensuring that our staff is adequately trained to utilize the system and its features, Andrew has been very helpful every step of the way.

Overall, we have been highly satisfied with our Sonitrol Security System and the support that Sonitrol provides. I encourage each of you to set aside some time to talk with Andrew about what Sonitrol can do for your school district. You will not be disappointed!

David Kaytor Director | WOVSED

As we are all aware, the changing of times has called for a need to increase security in our schools to protect our students and staff. Many of you have procedures already in place to keep your buildings secured at all times.

What I like best about Sonitrol is that my alarm system is monitored locally. Sonitrol knows the area, knows local law enforcement and understands the difference between a real burglary and a false alarm.

Jim Back Financial Advisor | Edward Jones Investments

What I like best about Sonitrol is that my alarm system is monitored locally. Sonitrol knows the area, knows local law enforcement and understands the difference between a real burglary and a false alarm.

Jim Back Financial Advisor | Edward Jones Investments

I asked Sonitrol to install a security system for my mother after my father died. It gave her piece of mind. As she aged, I added fire alarm services. Later I added a safety service where she wore necklace device that allowed her to receive emergency services at the push of a button. And she did push the button- once in her garage when she fell and broke her hip. Once when she fell and broke her shoulder. Once when she tripped and cut her arm (21stitches in the ER). There is no doubt that Sonitrol's service saved her life and made my life better -less stress on me worrying about her safety. This is a must have service for your parents.

Phil Lieberman Partner | Lieberman Technologies LLC

I asked Sonitrol to install a security system for my mother after my father died. It gave her piece of mind. As she aged, I added fire alarm services. Later I added a safety service where she wore necklace device that allowed her to receive emergency services at the push of a button.

For over 18 years, you have provided super security, customer service beyond compare and employees that seem like family! Great job!

Many Thanks,

Sonny Slifer

For over 18 years, you have provided super security, customer service beyond compare and employees that seem like family! Great job!

Many Thanks,

Sonny Slifer

Sonitrol has been a great company to work with. They are always professional and very helpful and supportive. Andrew has been without question the best contact we could have. When our church was burglarized he was here assisting our staff and police with the investigation. His concern was very evident. We know he cares. The cameras we have installed helped us identify the person. We know that Andrew is just a phone call away to resolve any issues or answer any questions we may have.

Lisa Beck

Sonitrol has been a great company to work with. They are always professional and very helpful and supportive. Andrew has been without question the best contact we could have. When our church was burglarized he was here assisting our staff and police with the investigation.

Crossroads Christian Church has been using Sonitrol for a little over a year now and are happy with our decision to use their services. Andrew Beitler has been our sales person from the beginning and has continued to help with any needs. Any questions or concern have been answered and dealt with in a timely manner, which is very important to us with security matters. I recommend Andrew Beitler at Sonitrol for all security needs.

Crossroads Christian Church has been using Sonitrol for a little over a year now and are happy with our decision to use their services. Andrew Beitler has been our sales person from the beginning and has continued to help with any needs.

When choosing a company to handle our security needs, we knew we wanted to do business locally. Not only to install the system but to also have it monitored here in town. The professionals at Sonitrol were great to work with in every way. The safety of our team and protecting customer information is very important to us. With the mobile app, we are able to monitor live or recorded HD footage. It's also set up to send text alerts when the system is armed or disarmed. This gives us great peace of mind, especially when traveling or working remotely. We have been very pleased with the level of service, especially long after the sale. We look forward to working with them for years to come.

Brad Nichols Owner - Agent | Tri-State Insurance Group LLC

When choosing a company to handle our security needs, we knew we wanted to do business locally. Not only to install the system but to also have it monitored here in town. The professionals at Sonitrol were great to work with in every way.